RECAP: ACRES Eco-Ag Conference
This past week, two Barn2Door team members bundled up and braved the Minnesota cold to attend the 44th Annual ACRES 2019 Eco-Ag Conference and Trade Show in Minneapolis. Eat for Equity kept the attendees warm with handcrafted soups and sandwiches made from local ingredients. During the breaks, the halls were bustling with discussions on various topics, from fermentation to no-till techniques. The ACRES Bookstore stacked their table with excellent resources to continue education outside of the conference. When attendees weren’t enjoying the food, milling about, or talking with Farmers, they joined break-out sessions and reported back on their learning!
Session: Deep Connections- Soil and Human Health
Speaker: Anne Bikle and Dr. Nasha Winters
Take-Aways:
Nutrition is linked to soil health, and has a profound impact on bodily health
“Deep listening” is a way to understand one’s body and its needs
Biodiversity in the soil translates into a thriving human microbiome
Session: Lessons in Changing the Future of Our Food System
Speaker: Bob Quinn
Take-Aways:
Quinn did not set out to change the food system. He tested yields growing alfalfa and found he could produce just as much without expensive and harmful chemicals
Feeding soil health costs less and increases value, also makes farming more fun!
There’s a hidden cost to cheap food that depletes the soil and human health
Influence change in small, tangible ways: buy organic, call your legislators
In all, the ACRES Eco-Ag Conference proved a valuable opportunity to learn about sustainable practices, hold meaningful conversations, and meet new people! At Barn2Door, it’s always a highlight to meet Farmers already using our service (and give them hats and hugs!), as well as introduce ourselves to new Farmers.
If you’re a Barn2Door customer, come find us to claim your Barn2Door hat! If you’re interested in Barn2Door’s services for your Farm, you can watch a demo video here.